Taking Stock: Construction, education, insurance and more

Construction

? The Samuels Group announced the promotion of Kevin Higgs to general manager. Higgs will be responsible for managing and directing the company's Iowa operations, interfacing with clients, developing new business, and participating in long-range planning. In addition, Higgs will lead the project management teams working out of the company's Des Moines, Iowa, location.

The Samuels Group is a commercial construction contractor specializing in general contracting, construction management and integrated project delivery. With offices in Wausau, Waterloo and Des Moines, they provide construction services for new and existing projects throughout the Midwest.

? The U.S. Green Building Council named Kimberly Hosken of Johnson Controls and Theresa Lehman of Miron Construction to the 2012 class of LEED Fellows.

Hosken and Lehman along with other LEED Fellows will be recognized at the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo in San Francisco this month.

Education

? ? After a national search, the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point has named Stevens Point native and alumnus Christopher Richards to head its fundraising and alumni relations operation.

Richards brings more than 20 years of experience at the University of Wisconsin-Madison to his new role as vice chancellor for University Advancement at UW-Stevens Point. Since 1989, Richards worked closely with a portfolio of major donors as a development director, managed a $1.86 billion capital campaign, and been part of the UW Foundation leadership team, ultimately serving as a vice president.

Richards takes over for retiring Interim Vice Chancellor for University Advancement Kathy Buenger, who will continue to advise and consult with the UWSP Foundation on an as-needed basis. Richards begins his new position on January 14, 2013.

Health

Ministry Medical Group clinics in Tomahawk, Stevens Point and Waupaca have received national recognition for their medical home models by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). They have received Level 3 Physician Practice Connections - Patient-Centered Medical Home Recognition (PPC-PCMH).

NCQA recognizes primary care practices that function as patient-centered medical homes, a model of care where each patient is at the center of his/her care and has an ongoing relationship with a personal provider who leads a team that takes collective responsibility for patient care.

Insurance

? Rick Flora of Lakeside Financial Consultants was appointed to the Woodbury Financial Services President's Advisor Council. Flora has more than 23 years of experience in the financial services industry and holds a number of designations and licenses. He serves clients from his offices in Phillips and Medford.

Woodbury Financial Services is a leading industry broker-dealer through more than 1,600 independent representatives nationwide.

Flora offers securities through Woodbury Financial Services.

? Carole Butler has joined Clay Marketing Group/American Senior Benefits as a representative in Plover.

Clay Marketing Group is a client-focused, independent insurance agency serving the needs of the age 55-and-over community.

Service

Brian Camlek, soil scientist with Star Environmental of Marathon, received his state of Wisconsin certification as an inspector of private septic systems.